Happy Earth Day 2020 everyone! This celebration of Earth Day is unlike any we have recognized in the past years. Our world is going through a global pandemic and amidst all this human suffering, the animals are thriving and pollution is down, for the first time in awhile. While we still have a long way to go, the fashionistas/os of the world can help do their part by recognizing and supporting sustainable brands. So this brings in the question: in the fashion industry, how can we help our earth and make sure we continue to make progress? So what is sustainable fashion?Sustainable fashion can be defined as clothing, shoes and accessories that are manufactured, marketed and used in the most sustainable manner possible, taking into account both environmental and socio-economic aspects. In practice, this implies continuous work to improve all stages of the product’s life cycle, from design, raw material production, manufacturing, transport, storage, marketing and final sale, to use, reuse, repair, remake and recycling of the product and its components. This definition is from Dr. Brismar, the extended explanation can be found on Green Strategy. Companies have the opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable functioning system. Some companies have even initiated rental systems, or secondhand fashion (Poshmark, Depop, Rent The Runway, etc), for leasing clothing and/or accessories. Check out these businesses via mobile app or website. Other companies focus on using high quality materials and designs to ensure their product is long-lasting (Lululemon and Patagonia). Some brands choose to have collection and recycling systems which support improved textile recycling (H&M). (Green Strategy) my top 4 favorite sustainable fashion companies4. Patagonia This brand has always been known to be reliable and durable. I learned that on their website you can purchase items secondhand! They do use sustainable materials in their outerwear, but they will also help customers repair their clothing instead of buying something new. I think this speaks volume. They are out to help the environment, not just for the money that could easily be made on a new piece. They follow fair-trade practices and keep a close watch on their supply chain to make sure it is safe for the environment, workers and customers. Patagonia’s goal is to try and find solutions to environmental issues without causing harm to the environment. This can all be made possible, due to the durability of their products. (Forbes) 3. Levi's One pair of jeans takes over 2,000 gallons of water. This water is used for growing the cotton, to dyeing and finishing. Levi’s is committed to using 96% less water during the finishing processes to remove water whenever possible to make their items in the Water<Less collection. Levi’s is still a major influence in the denim industry, initiatives like this can have a large impact in the industry. They also share their in-depth sustainability commitments during the whole product lifecycle. (goodhousekeeping) Video credit 2. Free People Free people has began to make a focused effort towards eco-conscious materials in their products. One collection, named Econyl (launched April 2019), included products made from 100% regenerated nylon, which was collected from landfills and oceans. For every 10,000 tons of Econyl raw material, 70,000 barrels of crude oil are saved, and 57,100 tons of CO2 emissions are avoided. They are moving towards working with a wider range of brand partner products which are made with eco-conscious fabrics, support artisan techniques and nonprofit contributions. (FP SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT) 1. H&M Conscious Collection Items found in the Conscious collection help support the environment, materials such as recycled polyester and organic cotton are used. These styles are also budget friendly, starting at just $10, which is why H&M is my go-to for all my product needs. Another great perk H&M offers is 'The Garment Collection Program' which is program for recycling your unwanted clothing at any of their stores, and the best part is receiving a discount card to buy some new products! Any brand can be brought in, any condition, even those worn-out tees that have been hiding in the bottom of your drawer. H&M claims they use 57% recycled or sustainably sourced fibers. Their goal is to reach 100% by 2030. (goodhousekeeping) Do your part...You can help support sustainable fashion by researching brands and how they support ethical fashion practices, really dive into the details on how they are moving towards a sustainable practice. I believe it’s important to support these fashion brands because by supporting the brand(s), you are supporting your earth.
Now, I know when we think of sustainable product we think of bland, unappealing clothing. This is not always necessarily the case. Within the past 20 years, fashion has proved to advance with textile improvements. Just imagine where we could be in another 20 years with fashion! The possibilities are endless.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |